Tuesday, July 10 | 27 Tammuz 5778

Greetings!

The changes this summer at Beth Emet are quite exciting. If you’ve been following the pictures through EmetMail or on our Facebook page or Flickr, you can see the dramatic changes that are happening as part of the phase one building renovation. It was challenging to not hangout in the parking lot on Monday, watching as the crane hoisted the various components of the new air handler unit that will provide reliable & economical heating and cooling to the spaces on the Sanctuary side of the existing building.  If, for instance, you’ve ever been in the Weiner Room and experienced the loud bang of the fan as it turns on and off, distracting listeners and worshipers alike, this is exactly one of many issues that the new unit will resolve. The framing of the new wall partitions throughout the renovated spaces are nearly complete, and we soon anticipate the first of many in-progress building inspections by the City of Evanston. Each day the future spaces becomes more and more alive.  

 

Other changes relate to the format of our revamped EmetMail and logo, which you will see below. Our goal is to make it more compact, community focused, easy to read, less programmatically hierarchical, and overall breezy. Data has shown that half of our readers read EmetMail on mobile devices. We are keenly aware that reading it may feel like you are scrolling for an eternity. We’re trying to rectify that, while keeping you informed. Each program or event feature is a hyper-link—so if something piqued your interest, you can easily click a link for more information. We will also be sharing more stories through images…our "Photo of the Week" and "Construction Updates" have been popular features that help tell the stories about what’s happening at Beth Emet. We fully realize this is a work in progress—we are trying something new, playing with the format a bit, testing it, and we welcome your feedback as this evolves.

 

Our updated logo includes the Star of David element, a graphic interpretation of the sculpture located on the north exterior of the synagogue, and which many associate with Beth Emet.  The font and color palette seamlessly blend a traditional and modern aesthetic, much like what we are accomplishing with the building renovations.  

 

And last, I encourage you to attend Shabbat morning services at the Lakefront on Saturday, July 21 at 9:45 a.m., with Tot Shabbat at the playground at 9:00 a.m. There is something very spiritual to celebrate Shabbat and worship while facing the lakefront (east!) – an experience not to be missed.  We will be meeting at the Lighthouse Beach Shelter (2611 Sheridan Road; Evanston) with a vegetarian potluck lunch to follow. Beth Emet will provide the main course. This is truly one of my favorite Shabbat services each year, and I personally invite you to join me on the 21st. 

L'Shalom,

Bekki Harris Kaplan

Executive Director

Singing, Supper, and S'mores - Saturday, July 14 at 4:30 p.m

Congregational Shabbat at Lighthouse Beach Park - Saturday, July 21

9:00 a.m. Tot Shabbat | 9:45 a.m. Shabbat Service

Tisha b'Av Service - Saturday, July 21 at 8:00 p.m. at Beth Emet

Summer Shabbat Services and Soup Kitchen are being held at Unitarian Church of Evanston .

Champagne with the Campaign

It takes a Congregation to Build Our Future

For those who have yet to participate, learn more about the Campaign and add your name to our donor list 

Beth Emet's Phase One renovations are underway, and now we're planning for Phase Two. Sip champagne at an informal summer evening gathering with new and old friends. Be proud about the success that we turned our vision into a reality for Phase One, and learn how you can be part of the excitement for Phase Two. 

Thursday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Letitia & Jeff Mann

Sunday, July 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Sheryl & Stopher Bartol

RSVP today!  For questions about the events, contact  Patti Gerbie  or  Arlene Steele .

Add your name to the list of donors to collectively build our future together. Help us reach 100% participation. Let's make this happen for Beth Emet! 

For questions or more information about the  Capital Campaign   contact  Bekki Kaplan .

Travel to Israel with Beth Emet Synagogue, Second Baptist Church, and Grace Lutheran

Deadline to sign up for trip is Saturday, July 21

Led by Rabbi Andrea London and Pastor Michael Nabors, members from Grace Lutheran, Second Baptist Church, and Beth Emet Synagogue will travel together to Israel and the West Bank November 18-30, 2018. Palestinian and Jewish guides will introduce us to the complex narratives and present-day realities of a land that is a home to each of our faith traditions.

Learn more.

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

Eight Ways to Take Jewish Action Around Family Separation

The RAC recommends ways you can help support children and families being torn apart. Temple Emanuel in McAllen, Texas is collecting items for care packages to bring to the border. Items include: Pedialyte, blankets, clothing, and toiletries.

June 1-30, 2018

We thank all those who have made generous this past month in honor of of in memory of someone special. It's a great way to send a card while supporting Beth Emet. To make a donation check out the online form or you can send a check to the office letting us know who we should notify and for what occasion. Thank you!

Bekki Kaplan in New York City

Abby Backer with her mom, Rabbi Dena Feingold, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Deaths

Joseph Zoller

father of Jessica (Peter) Kaplan and Elizabeth (Michael) Cohen, and grandfather of Daryn and Asher Kaplan and Mia Cohen

Gary Greenberg

father of Bruce (Shari) Greenberg, and grandfather of Mara

In the Beth Emet Family

Congregants Matt Feldman and David Graham join Diana Cohen and Todd Wiener on the Board of the Evanston Community Foundation.

Prospective Camper Family Tours at OSRUI on July 29.

Roycemore School is seeking a host family for an incoming senior from Afghanistan. For more information, please contact the Head of the School , Adrianne Finley Odell .